In the news today…
Grid:
- E&E News reports that grid operator MISO approves a $10.3 billion grid expansion to help move clean energy throughout the Midwest, including 18 high-voltage transmission lines set to come online beginning in 2028.
- Utility Dive reports that State regulators order Ameren Illinois to study the costs and benefits of becoming a member of grid operator PJM rather than MISO.
Minerals:
- Politico Pro reports David Ferris discussed the issue of critical minerals, China’s dominance in the supply chain and the need for automakers to lock up long-term supply contracts for the production of EVs.
- Associated Press reports opposition from friends, not foes, is creating potential roadblocks to President Joe Biden’s green energy agenda on federal lands in the blue-leaning, Western swing state of Nevada.
Coal:
- The Oaklandside reports five months after City Attorney Barbara Parker announced that a deal was in the works to end the longstanding saga over a proposed coal terminal in West Oakland, the developers are now backing out of settlement negotiations.
- Reuters reports high coal prices, supply bottlenecks and aged plants are posing a challenge to Germany’s plan to increase electricity production from hard coal-fired power plants to compensate for declining gas deliveries, according to operators and industry experts.
- WV Public Broadcasting reports in the spring, coal producers told lawmakers that railroads weren’t providing adequate coal delivery service. In a legislative meeting on Sunday, those complaints continued.